WhatsApp trials username feature: Impacts on users?

The upcoming feature will give users the ability to replace their phone numbers with usernames, providing an extra layer of privacy. This means that users can now choose not to share their mobile numbers with everyone. WhatsApp will offer three privacy settings: “Username,” “Phone number,” and “Username with PIN.”

Opting for the “Username” setting will allow users to keep their phone numbers hidden, displaying only a username to others. However, existing contacts who already have the user’s phone number will still be able to see it. New contacts, on the other hand, will only see the username in the profile section.

The “Username with PIN” option introduces a four-digit PIN that users can share with specific individuals. Only those who possess this PIN will be able to connect with the user on WhatsApp. While this feature provides more control over privacy, contacts who already have the phone number can still message the user, even with the PIN feature activated.

This optional tool empowers users by offering greater control over who can initiate contact through WhatsApp. The feature is currently available to WhatsApp Android beta version 2.24.18.2 users for testing. Stable Android users can expect the feature to be included in a future update.

In addition to the privacy enhancements, WhatsApp is also set to introduce a feature that allows users to show appreciation for status updates with a quick “like” reaction. Similar to Instagram’s story likes, this feature aims to facilitate easier interaction with content shared by contacts.

Reports suggest that the like reaction feature is currently being tested with public beta users and has been in development for some time. To like a status update, users simply tap a heart emoji icon located at the bottom left corner of the screen while viewing the update. This action sends a notification to the status poster, informing them that their update has received a like. Users can also view who liked their statuses by checking the standard views list.